High Temperature Bearing Steel (M50)

High Temperature Bearing Steel (M50)

NAME: High-Temperature Bearing Steel / Aerospace Steel
BRAND: PROMISTEEL
GRADES: M50, M50NiL, 80MoCrV42-16, 1.3551
STANDARD: AMS 6491, AMS 6278
MELTING PROCESS: VIM + VAR (Double Vacuum)
SHAPES: Forged Bar, Hot-Rolled Round Bar, Wire Rod
HARDNESS: ≥61-63 HRC (After Heat Treatment)
SERVICE TEMP: Up to 315°C (600°F)
APPLICATION: Jet Engine Bearings, Gas Turbines, APUs
MOQ: 25 Tons
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Product Introduction

M50 High Temperature Bearing Steel is the premier material for the aerospace industry, specifically designed to operate in environments where standard bearing steels (like 52100) fail.

While 52100 softens above 150°C, M50 (AMS 6491) maintains a hardness of >60 HRC at service temperatures up to 315°C (600°F). Produced exclusively via the VIM-VAR (Vacuum Induction Melting + Vacuum Arc Remelting) process, our M50 steel offers the lowest possible inclusion levels, ensuring critical fatigue resistance for aircraft engine main shafts and high-speed gas turbines.

Products Description

 

 

We supply aerospace-grade steel meeting strict AMS specifications.

Table-1

Precision materials for extreme environments.

International Grade Comparison

Common Name AMS Standard UNS DIN/EN Type
M50 AMS 6491 T11350 80MoCrV42-16 (1.3551)

Through Hardening

M50NiL AMS 6278 K91283 -

Case Hardening (Fracture Tough)

H10 Mod - - -

Carburizing High Temp

Table-2

Molybdenum and Vanadium provide the "Red Hardness" (Heat Resistance).

Chemical Composition (Mass Fraction %)

Grade C Cr Mo V Ni Mn
M50 0.80~0.85 4.00~4.25 4.00~4.50 0.90~1.10 ≤0.15 ≤0.35
M50NiL 0.11~0.15 4.00~4.25 4.00~4.50 1.13~1.33 3.20~3.60 ≤0.35

Note: P≤0.015, S≤0.008 (VIM-VAR quality).

Table-3

Raw materials supplied with Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Class A/AA.

Supply Range & Formats

Product Form Dimensions (mm) Delivery Condition Surface Finish
Forged Bar Dia: 50 - 300 Spheroidize Annealed Peeled/Turned
Round Bar Dia: 10 - 100 Hot Rolled / Annealed

Centerless Ground

Wire Rod Dia: 5.5 - 20 Annealed / Pickled

Drawn/Polished

Key Features (Why VIM-VAR?)

VIM-VAR Cleanliness

"Double Vacuum" melting removes dissolved gases (Hydrogen, Nitrogen) and non-metallic inclusions. This is non-negotiable for aerospace bearings, as even microscopic impurities can cause catastrophic fatigue failure at 30,000 RPM.

High Hot Hardness

M50 retains its exceptional hardness at operating temperatures where synthetic lubricants are used (up to 315°C/600°F).

Excellent Fatigue Life

The uniform carbide distribution and ultra-low inclusion count result in a Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) life significantly higher than air-melted steels.

M50NiL Option

For applications requiring fracture toughness, we offer M50NiL. It features a hard carburized surface for wear resistance and a ductile core to prevent the bearing race from bursting at high hoop stresses.

Typical Applications

 

This material is strictly for high-performance applications:

  • Aero-Engines: Main shaft bearings for jet engines and helicopter rotors.
  • Auxiliary Power Units (APUs): High-speed bearings in aircraft power systems.
  • Gas Turbines: Bearings for land-based power generation turbines.
  • Turbochargers: High-performance automotive turbocharger shafts.
  • High-Temp Gearboxes: Racing transmissions requiring heat resistance.

FAQ

Q1: What does VIM-VAR mean?

A1: It stands for Vacuum Induction Melting followed by Vacuum Arc Remelting. It is a premium double-melting process that produces the cleanest possible steel. For M50 aerospace bearings, VIM-VAR is mandatory to meet AMS 6491 standards.

Q2: M50 vs. M50NiL: Which one should I choose?

A2: Choose M50 if you need a standard high-temperature bearing that is hard all the way through (through-hardening).
Choose M50NiL if the bearing spins at ultra-high speeds where centrifugal force might crack the ring. M50NiL has a tough, ductile core (case-hardening) that resists fracture.

Q3: Can M50 be used for knife making?

A3: While possible due to its hardness, M50 is not common for knives because it lacks the corrosion resistance of 440C and is difficult to heat treat without specialized vacuum furnaces.

Q4: Is M50 corrosion resistant?

A4: No. M50 is a tool steel type alloy, not a stainless steel. It will rust if not lubricated. If you need high temperature plus corrosion resistance, consider Cronidur 30 or XD15NW (contact us for availability).

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